Reusable display containers

Abstract

Reusable display container (1) for the transport, storage and in particular the display of objects, comprising a first foldable display box (1) from a base (2) and at least two, preferably three or four wall sections (3, 4, 5, 6) arranged on the base, which form at least two opposite wall sections (3, 4), preferably two opposite longitudinal wall sections (3, 4) and at least one end wall section (5), particularly preferably two end wall sections (5, 6) and a lid, characterized in that the display container (1) is formed from a hollow chamber panel or hollow chamber plate with at least one corrugated intermediate layer between two outer layers.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a reusable display container for the transport, storage and, in particular, the display of objects, especially foodstuffs and the like, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a blank for a reusable display container according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0002] For the distribution and offering of goods, such as food, sales and display containers are already established, serving both for storage and for promotional presentation and sale. These goods are typically sold loose or in pre-packaged units. Accordingly, the sales and display containers, which are particularly common in self-service sales, must be adapted. The range of sales and display containers used extends from simple, trough-shaped containers, known as bulk containers, to shelving or hanging systems where the goods are arranged, for example, in different compartments on an inclined plane, so that when a product is removed, the goods behind it slide down. The corresponding goods are always visibly displayed on the front.Typically, at least one wall has a display opening for this purpose.

[0003] The material of conventional display containers is primarily cardboard. For retailers, cardboard packaging is typically provided for displaying goods. With these standard cardboard packages, an unpacker removes a film wrapping after transport in the store if the packaging is partially open, or, in the case of fully closed packaging, tears off a section of the packaging, often marked by tear lines (usually partially perforated for easy removal). This reveals a display opening on the side and usually also an access opening on the top of the display-ready transport packaging.

[0004] A major disadvantage of disposable display containers is their poor environmental impact. Since the cardboard or corrugated board is no longer usable after a single intensive use as a display box (scratched, bent, destroyed), it is either disposed of with general waste or recycled. Disposal with waste paper is only possible for clean cardboard boxes. Food-contaminated display boxes are sorted out by the recycler and regularly end up in the general waste.

[0005] Another disadvantage is the cumbersome process of flattening the display carton. Due to the often glued corners and bottom, the carton has to be pressed flat in several steps. Usually, the display carton is thrown on the floor and then stomped on to flatten it as much as possible. This is time-consuming and therefore uneconomical.

[0006] Furthermore, there is no organized return process for standard cardboard display containers to the manufacturer. Instead, they are passed on as waste and, at best, recycled as waste paper. Cardboard display containers are not suitable for reuse. In addition, these containers are not stable; in particular, moisture can cause them to soften, leading to merchandise falling out during transport, storage, or even display.

[0007] The object of the following invention is therefore to provide a reusable display container (referred to as a display box) that can replace conventional disposable display containers made of cardboard, in particular corrugated cardboard or corrugated board. The reusable display box should be made of a material that makes a significant contribution to the circular economy and decarbonization, while simultaneously not increasing the cost per use compared to conventional disposable display boxes. Above all, a large number of cycles with one and the same reusable display container between the seller and the customer should be guaranteed, and the return transport should be quick and easy.

[0008] In addition, a reusable display container should be provided which is versatile, easy to handle, can be folded quickly and repeatedly, is robustly constructed and also easy to manufacture.

[0009] Another task is to provide a reusable display container in which the offered goods are stored clearly and concisely. Furthermore, the display container should allow for both easy removal of the items it contains and sufficient inspection of the goods. Finally, the sales and display container must be easy and inexpensive to manufacture and use, meaning it should be simple for both customers when removing goods and sales staff when restocking.

[0010] This problem is solved by a sales and display container according to claim 1 and a blank according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a reusable display container for the transport, storage, and display of items is provided, comprising a foldable display box consisting of a base, at least two, preferably three or four, wall sections arranged at the base, and a lid. The at least two wall sections, hereinafter referred to as longitudinal side wall sections, are preferably arranged opposite each other, so that a storage area for the goods is provided on the intermediate base, while simultaneously securing them laterally against slippage. Furthermore, a (so-called rear) end wall section is preferably provided, and a (so-called front) end wall section is particularly preferably provided, one of these end wall sections forming a display opening.The reusable display container is characterized by the fact that it is formed from a hollow chamber sheet or hollow chamber plate with at least one corrugated intermediate layer between two outer layers.

[0012] According to the invention, the reusable display container is formed from a hollow chamber sheet or hollow chamber plate with at least one corrugated interlayer between two outer layers. This hollow chamber plate, abbreviated here as such, is characterized by the fact that it forms connecting ribs between two smooth outer material layers, in such a way as to replicate conventional single-walled disposable cardboard display containers, except that the material is not cardboard or paperboard but a preferably synthetically or semi-synthetically produced polymer, particularly preferably a plastic. It is also possible that the plate is formed from two smooth outer layers and at least one single-walled interlayer.

[0013] Alternatively, the hollow-chamber panel or hollow-chamber sheet can be formed with at least one corrugated interlayer between two outer layers made of bio-based polymers or biodegradable polymers. Combinations are of course conceivable.

[0014] A hollow chamber panel is therefore a panel consisting of two smooth outer layers with either vertically spaced, parallel ribs arranged between them at regular intervals, forming hollow chambers as elongated hollow channels, or with at least one single-corrugated inner layer sandwiched between the two outer layers. The inner layer's opposing corrugation tips abut the outer layer and are advantageously bonded or welded in place. Together with the outer layers, the single-corrugated inner layer forms equally elongated hollow channels. In addition to the corrugated inner layer, another corrugated inner layer may be provided, optionally with a smooth intermediate layer positioned between the two corrugated inner layers. Thus, a smooth outer layer is followed by a single-corrugated inner layer, then the smooth intermediate layer, then another single-corrugated inner layer, and finally a smooth outer layer.This is a twin-wall corrugated sheet. The sheet is a flat structure, bendable or flexible across its surface, like a rigid sheet of cardboard.

[0015] Advantageously, the thickness of the plate is approximately between 1 and 8 mm, preferably 1.5 to 6 mm, and particularly preferably 2 to 2.5 mm. It is understood that the reusable display container can be square or rectangular with two opposing wall sections, preferably with three or four wall sections, preferably two opposing longitudinal wall sections and two opposing end wall sections or narrow wall sections.

[0016] Due to the special material used in this reusable display container, its external appearance is almost identical to conventional corrugated cardboard display containers in the single-use system, which are widely accepted by consumers and retailers. Handling during packing, unpacking, or repacking is also very similar. In terms of weight, the panel is lighter than a comparably rigid cardboard sheet. Due to the material, a corrugated plastic sheet allows for quicker and easier folding of the container into an upright or folded state. This is because the corrugated plastic, especially when made of polypropylene, has such a smooth surface structure that the folded container surfaces slide against each other with significantly less friction than comparable display containers made of corrugated cardboard.The reusable display container according to the invention is thus very easy to erect and fold, and can at the same time be transported back in a volume-reduced manner, in such a way that it can be transported flat with completely horizontal wall and base elements as well as any hinged lid elements without damage or destruction and without unnecessary air gaps (except those of the hollow chamber areas) to a collection point integrated into a network, which expediently has a collection container equipped for insertion, or to the mail-order company itself.

[0017] The economic aspect is not self-evident. The world of display containers for retail displays of goods and many other areas is currently dominated by disposable display materials. However, recycling is cheaper than manufacturing new display containers, yet this seemingly obvious principle is completely ignored in practice.

[0018] The advantage of this special material, preferably polypropylene, is that it allows for the folding of an empty reusable display container in seconds. Furthermore, this very flat folded reusable display container, with its parallel and horizontally oriented container surfaces, results in a suitable transport size, enabling a larger number of empty reusable display containers to be returned (for example, to collection points with wire mesh boxes or other collection containers for the empty container). This is not possible with disposable cardboard packaging or conventional display containers made of non-corrugated polymer or plastic sheets, or sheets without hollow chambers, which are significantly heavier.Such a highly compacted return of the reusable display container according to the invention is only possible because the corrugated plastic possesses such good folding properties, as described above. At the same time, due to the lightness of the reusable display container according to the invention, return transport is so advantageous that recycling is more cost-effective than manufacturing the product from scratch.

[0019] Hollow-core sheets with ribs or a corrugated core between two smooth outer layers, or alternatively, multiple layers as described above, especially made of polypropylene, represent a new type of environmentally friendly and robust packaging material. Corrugated plastic, or corriboard, is an extruded single-wall or multi-wall plastic sheet, typically made from high-impact polypropylene resin and similar in structure to corrugated cardboard. It is environmentally friendly, waterproof, non-toxic, durable, and recyclable. Polypropylene corrugated plastic sheets also offer high strength and are corrosion-resistant. They can have long life cycles and be recycled many times. Both the price and lifespan are significantly better than those of corrugated cardboard, making this material a high-quality alternative.Furthermore, it is lightweight, has good toughness and can save costs by using less material per unit volume, and is also a high-quality alternative to injection-molded boxes.

[0020] It should be noted that with the present invention, folding and unfolding is much simpler and faster compared to conventional display containers, which is mainly due to the material, especially the corrugated plastic. This is particularly true when polypropylene is used as the material. It is also easy for the packer to pull the folded reusable display container according to the invention from the shelf and, with just one hand movement, bring it into the unfolded final position in order to then fill the goods inside the box.

[0021] The chosen material makes a significant contribution to the circular economy and decarbonization. At the same time, the cost per use is not increased compared to conventional single-use cardboard containers. Cycles of up to ten or more, even up to 20 or 30, can be achieved with the reusable display container according to the invention between seller and customer, while simultaneously offering the simplest possible return transport. In contrast to conventional single-use cardboard display containers, this is a major advantage, as it not only saves money but also protects the environment. Because return transport is cheaper than manufacturing a new product, this reusable cycle is truly economical.

[0022] For the production of the reusable display container, a hollow chamber sheet with ribs (so-called hollow chamber sheets) or corrugated interlayers, as described above, is preferably used, expediently made of polypropylene, which is die-cut into a blank (alternatively cut with a cutting plotter) and pre-folded into a semi-finished product. Expediently, the alternative hollow chamber sheet or hollow chamber sheet with at least one corrugated interlayer can be made of bio-based polymers or biodegradable polymers, as already mentioned above. The bio-based polymers can consist entirely or partially of renewable raw materials. Bio-based polymers are partly found in nature; they are produced industrially from carbohydrates: sugars, starches, proteins, cellulose, lignins, fats, and vegetable oils.

[0023] Raw materials for bio-based plastics typically come from starch- and cellulose-rich plants such as corn or miscanthus, but sometimes also from oilseeds or wood. Biodegradable plastics can be produced from thermoplastic starch, starch derivatives, cellulose, cellulose derivatives such as cellulose esters (CA) and cellulose butyrate (CAB), biodegradable polyesters, and polylactic acid (PLA). Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are also included. Mixtures are also common, for example, of PLA and biodegradable polyesters. Bio-polyethylene is another example.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reusable display container has a grammage in the range of between 150 and 1100 g / m². 2 , preferably between 350 g / m² 2 and 550 g / m² 2 Although the basis weight (grammage) according to DIN EN ISO 536 usually expresses the weight of a paper or corrugated board grade, it is given in g / m². 2The specified weight plays an important role in determining the quality and cost of corrugated board. In the present case, however, the basis weight of the reusable display container according to the invention also corresponds to that of conventional corrugated board. The basis weight of the reusable display container according to the invention thus corresponds to that of conventional disposable display containers made of corrugated cardboard and is just as light. Therefore, there are no disadvantages during transport, neither a higher weight load for the parcel delivery service nor for the transport vehicle (fuel consumption).

[0025] Furthermore, for optimal advertising purposes, the reusable display container can and should be labeled and printed with markings. This is possible on all surfaces of the container. However, conventional labels and stickers regularly suffer from the significant disadvantage that they are not easily removable. Instead, adhesive residue often remains on the packaging or display container, requiring the order picker to rub the label for a minute or more to remove it, resulting in a time and consequently higher costs. It is therefore crucial that the removal of single-use or reusable labels or markings can be done manually and, if possible, automatically (by machine) in the shortest possible time. At the same time, these labels must be easily washable.This is primarily to avoid unnecessarily increasing return costs due to time wasted scraping off labels. Advantageously, the reusable display container according to the invention includes a carrier label, preferably designed as a silicone-coated label. The silicone-coated label has the advantage that disposable or reusable labels or other stickers are very easy to remove.

[0026] As an alternative to the silicone-coated label, it is of course possible to add a silicone-based additive or a similar additive to the corrugated plastic, bio-based polymer or biodegradable polymer, so that the plate produced from this polymer according to the invention has the same effect as the silicone-coated label itself.

[0027] The opposing wall sections, especially longitudinal wall sections, can also be diagonal, sloping down from the upper edge of the rear end wall section to the display opening on the front end wall section.

[0028] The display box is preferably open at the top and comprises at least two, preferably three, and particularly preferably four wall sections arranged around the base. As already described, the wall sections expediently form two longitudinal wall sections and preferably one end wall section, or alternatively, two longitudinal and two end wall sections. The wall sections define a base area of ​​the reusable display container, the size of which may vary but corresponds to that of conventional display containers. The base area is essentially cuboid or rectangular.

[0029] It should be noted that the wall sections need not be completely closed or form full walls that would make the box entirely enclosed (unseeable) on all sides and within the area of ​​the wall sections. The wall sections can optionally be designed as partial surfaces that at least serve to support the goods stored in the box. A wave-like, trapezoidal, S-shaped, or triangular surface, or other geometric shapes, are possible for the wall sections, as long as their lower surface is firmly and foldably connected to the base sections that form the bottom.

[0030] Advantageously, a display opening is formed as an open end face between two opposing longitudinal side wall sections. Alternatively, the display opening is a U- or V-shaped opening formed in one of the side wall sections, preferably an end wall section, for displaying the goods.

[0031] The wall-mounted display opening is preferably open at the top and can be of any shape. Besides a V- or U-shaped opening, it can alternatively be rectangular or circular. Optionally, a connecting strip can be provided at the top edge of the display wall section to limit the opening at the top. This connecting strip also provides stabilization for the opening, especially if it is very wide in the upper wall area.

[0032] In an optional embodiment of the invention, both opposing end wall sections are omitted, allowing the goods to be displayed completely open to the front and rear. The goods are supported only laterally by longitudinal side wall sections.

[0033] The lid is advantageously formed as a single piece and separate from the display container. However, it can also be permanently attached to the first display box via detachable fasteners. In an alternative embodiment, the lid is designed as a second foldable display box, which, during transport or storage, is placed like a lid onto the first unfolded display box, thus forming a closed, reusable display container, preferably with the aid of one or more fasteners.

[0034] In another possible embodiment, the lid is expediently arranged on the first display box, for closing the container top and / or the display opening, either detachably or non-detachably by means of a flange on the upper edge of one of the at least three wall sections of the first display box.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the reusable display container according to the invention, the base is formed from a first base section which is foldably connected to a first wall section, preferably a longitudinal wall section, via a fold line. In the upright position of the container, the base rests on at least two, preferably three, fold flaps on the base, preferably welded together. These fold flaps are likewise foldably connected to the at least two, preferably three, remaining wall sections via a fold line, such that the base forms more than ¾ of the total base area. Preferably, three of its sides abut the adjacent side wall sections. The length and width of these three sides are expediently dimensioned such that the first base section is wedged in a horizontal position between the adjacent side walls. This creates a clamping connection between the three sides and the abutting wall sections.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first base section has at least one first side flap which, when the reusable display container is unfolded, rests against the second longitudinal wall section opposite the first longitudinal wall section with its entire surface and extends substantially to the height of the upper edge of the second longitudinal wall section. Thus, when the container is closed, the upward movement of the first side flap is restricted by at least one lid in the closed transport / storage position of the display container, preventing the base from being opened from below. This protects the contents from theft without the need for additional securing of the base, e.g., with packing tape, as it is impossible to reach inside the container from below.Considering that conventional containers often only have an inner bottom section through which the weight of the goods inside is pressed downwards onto an outer bottom section.

[0037] The present display container also advantageously provides a lid which is equipped with fastening elements in the form of locking lugs, groove-like recesses and positioning elements, such as groove-like cutouts.

[0038] In a particular embodiment according to the invention, a first fastening means on the lid, preferably a locking lug, engages in a first, preferably slot-shaped recess in the placed position of the lid, which is formed on the upper edge of a longitudinal wall section.

[0039] The lid can advantageously also have a hinged side wing as a fastening means on one of its broad or longitudinal sides. If there are two wings on opposite sides, they are positioned in the same location along the respective side, particularly in the closed lid position, complementary to a positioning section, preferably a groove-like recess. This recess is, for example, located in an additional hinged flap that lies under the lid in a horizontal position when the container is closed and is hinged to an upper edge of an adjacent side wall section. The side wing is preferably rounded at its end pointing away from the broad or longitudinal side. It forms a semicircular shape that projects convexly outwards. This rounded shape allows it to slide easily (almost frictionlessly) into a complementary, preferably second, recess and be positively clamped into the positioning section.This second recess is expediently provided at the upper edge of one of the end wall sections and is preferably slot-shaped.

[0040] A second side flap can be provided on at least one of the broad sides of the first base section. When the reusable display container is unfolded, this second flap projects from the base at a right angle, like the first side flap, and rests against one of the two end wall sections. This further reinforces the base when the container is unfolded. Therefore, the first base section no longer has any play in the longitudinal direction of the container when the reusable display container is unfolded. Consequently, the first base section is firmly seated in its horizontal position within the container base.

[0041] The dimensions (L, W, H) of the reusable display container according to the invention correspond to those of conventional display carton sizes for displaying goods. However, the strength of the reusable display container and the protective function for the goods inside are better than with conventional cardboard boxes because, due to the material, particularly the polypropylene, a higher strength is achieved compared to corrugated cardboard or corrugated board, and at the same time, moisture cannot penetrate the interior of the packaging but beads up on the surface.

[0042] As already explained above, the erection and folding of the reusable display container according to the invention is possible in a very short time, both for the consumer and for the picking employee, as well as for the packing line in industry in the case of original packaging passed through, for example shoe boxes from industry via picking warehouses without opening to the consumer or pharmaceuticals.

[0043] A blank for the production of a reusable display container is also claimed. The blank forms at least two, preferably three or four wall sections, in particular two longitudinal and two narrow wall sections, as well as one or more bottom sections.

[0044] Advantageously, each bottom section is connected to the lower edge of each wall section via a fold line. According to the invention, the blank, which is preferably die-cut from a hollow-chamber sheet or a hollow-chamber sheet with a corrugated interlayer as described above, forms a first bottom section that essentially has the size and shape of the container base. This first bottom section forms a first side flap on its side opposite the fold line to the hinged wall section, which is connected to the first bottom section via a fold line. Preferably, the side flap is shaped as described above with regard to the reusable display container according to the invention. Furthermore, the blank is shaped according to the additional features of the above description for the reusable display container.

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. These show Fig. 1. A perspective top view of the display box in its open state without the lid, Fig. 2. A top view of the display box in its open state without the lid, Fig. 3. A top view of the bottom of the display box with the container bottom slightly folded inwards. Fig. 4. A perspective view from the front, slightly obliquely from above, of the display box with the first bottom section folded slightly inwards and the first side flap attached to it, projecting at a right angle from the first bottom section. Fig. 5 a cut of the display box according to a first embodiment.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1A shows an open reusable display container or display box 1, here without a lid 16. The reusable display container 1 comprises a base 2 and, in the embodiment shown, four circumferentially arranged wall sections 3, 4, 5, 6, wherein in this case three wall sections 3, 4, 5 are formed over the entire surface and one wall section 6 is provided with a display opening 19. It is understood that the number of wall sections can vary, as described above. Fig. Figure 1 shows the interior partially visible.

[0047] The top view further shows a first bottom section 7, which is hinged to a first longitudinal side wall section 3 via a first fold line. On the side of the first bottom section 7 opposite the first fold line, a first side flap 11 is hinged to the first bottom section 7 via a second fold line. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the first bottom section 7 is smaller than the base area of ​​the display container 1. One longitudinal side of the first bottom section 7 has a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal side wall sections 3, 4. This longitudinal side, i.e., the one at the second fold line, has a length that is greater than half the length of the longitudinal side wall sections 3, 4, preferably ¾ of the length of the longitudinal side wall sections 3, 4. From the shortened end of the longitudinal side, the width extends diagonally to the corner of the container (bottom or top).(shown at the front of the image) is formed between the first longitudinal side wall section 3 and the adjacent front end wall section 6, which shows the display opening 19. This special design allows the container bottom to be folded very quickly in just one step by pressing inwards from the center of the underside of the container bottom 2 with one hand while the display container 1 is open, i.e., with the side wall sections 3, 4, 5, 6 in an upright position and the lid is also open.

[0048] The reusable display container 1 has two opposing longitudinal side wall sections 3, 4 and an end wall section 5, all of which are closed and correspond in height and width to the normal container height and width. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a lid can be hinged to the upper edge of the end wall section 5 (not shown here).

[0049] Fig. Figure 1B shows a lid 16 as a purely exemplary design. Other forms are possible. The attachable lid 16, as in Fig. Figure 1B shows a lid base area that corresponds to the container base area and, furthermore, for stabilization purposes (purely by way of example), three downward-projecting wall sections, wherein in the illustrated embodiment at least one of the wall sections, namely the one covering the display opening, corresponds in height to the height of the display container, so that the display opening is completely covered for the transport of goods. The upper opening is also completely closed.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective top view of the in Fig. Figure 1 shows the reusable display container 1. The special material of the reusable display container 1, which is marked with reference numeral X, is clearly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the material is a hollow-chamber sheet, but alternatively, it can be a hollow-chamber sheet with at least one corrugated interlayer between two outer layers. Preferably, the material in this illustrated embodiment is polypropylene. This material configuration results in the same appearance as corrugated cardboard. The partially visible ribs, which are shown between two outer layers, form hollow channels. Between the two outer layers is a cavity, which is perforated at regular intervals by the rib-like connection shown here, as in single-wall corrugated cardboard.The web-like connection is bonded on both sides to a smooth plastic layer (outer layer), in particular by welding or bonding, etc., so that the hollow chamber panel is formed. This is formed in one piece from the same material.

[0051] A second side flap 14 is also clearly visible, which, like the first side flap 11, projects vertically at a 90° angle from the first bottom section 7 upwards when the wall sections are upright and rests against the closed end wall 5, which is clearly in Fig. 2 is visible. The front end wall section 6 has a U-shaped display opening, with the two legs of the U ending squarely at their base, thus forming a trapezoidal shape. On the longitudinal side wall section 4, against which the first side flap 11 rests, a trapezoidal positioning section in the form of a notch is provided at the upper edge. This serves to secure the lid against displacement when it is subsequently attached to the reusable display container 1, in which a complementary engagement element, preferably a side wing, is formed on the lid.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the reusable display container 1 with the side wall sections unfolded (only one visible). In this figure, the bottom 2 is slightly folded inwards. In addition to the first bottom section 7, three further bottom sections, conveniently labeled bottom-side folding flaps 8, 9, 10, are visible, the cut of which is shown in Fig. Figure 5 is shown. The first and third bottom-side folding flaps 8, 10 are preferably trapezoidal, with an additional side flap or corner flap 17, 18 provided on one of the diagonals. The side flap 18 of the first folding flap 8 is welded to the underside of the second folding flap 9, and the side flap 17 of the third folding flap 10 is welded to the underside of the first bottom section 7. An engagement opening C is shown in the area between the opposite end faces of the folding flaps.

[0053] When the base is pressed inwards from the outside in the central area, the bottom-side folding flaps 8, 9, 10 and the first base section 7 are folded inwards. The so-called "access slot" C on the bottom (widened here because container 1 is slightly folded) is clearly visible. In the case of the reusable display container 1 packed for shipping, this slot is securely closed from the inside by the first base section 7. This is achieved by the limited play of the inner first side flap 11, whose vertical movement is restricted by the lid 16 or the lid sections when the reusable display container 1 is closed. This presses the first base section 7 from the inside onto the bottom-side folding flaps 8, 9, 10 and holds it in its horizontal position.

[0054] The fold lines are clearly visible, formed between the first bottom-side folding flap 8 and the side flap 18 arranged on a diagonal side, and between the third bottom-side folding flap 10 and the side flap 17, also arranged on a diagonal side. These are subtly folded inwards, so that all bottom sections are folded slightly diagonally inwards into the interior of the container. The central access opening C, which leads into the interior of the container 1, is clearly visible and slightly widened. At this point, the container is pressed from the outside inwards. This allows the display container 1 according to the invention to be folded very quickly, with just one hand movement and in an extremely short time, due to the special material which has an extremely smooth surface structure, so that the surfaces of the container walls glide along one another.

[0055] Fig. Figure 4 shows the reusable display container 1 in a perspective top view from the front in a slightly folded position. It is clearly visible that the first bottom section 7 is slightly angled and protrudes upwards from the bottom with its first side flap 11. The bottom 2 is folded into the interior of the container when the display container 1 is folded for empty transport. This is shown here, i.e., an intermediate position in the folding process, which is easily accomplished.

[0056] Other embodiments of the display container 1 are also conceivable. For example, the two opposing longitudinal side wall sections 3, 4 can be triangular rather than solid, with the hypotenuse of the triangle descending diagonally from the upper end of the solid end wall 5 to the lower end of the front wall section 6 (diagonal). In this case, the lid can have the same shape as the display container 1, but mirrored, so that when the lid thus formed is placed on the display container with three wall sections and an open front end, the upper open edges of the display container are completely sealed, and the display container is simultaneously completely closed (the display opening is covered), so that the goods can be transported safely.Naturally, the first side flap, which is molded onto the first base section, is adapted accordingly in its shape and its free end runs identically to the hypotenuse. It is essential that the movement of the first side flap is restricted when the lid is in place so that it is impossible to reach inside the display container from below through the access opening C. This applies when the lid is in place and the container is closed. The display container can be cuboid or rectangular, and a wide variety of dimensions in length, width, and height are conceivable.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 shows a blank 15 of a first embodiment of the reusable display container 1 according to the invention. In the figure, the blank 15 is shown in an internal view as an unwelded blank 15, which is designed as a semi-finished product. Reference numeral A denotes a flow direction, which is intended to support the detailed description of the blank 15 below.

[0058] The cut in Fig. Size 5 has dimensions of 389 x 269 x 102 mm (L x W x H) and roughly corresponds to a container size M. It goes without saying that these dimensions are purely exemplary. The thickness of the hollow-core sheet is advantageously 2.5 mm in this case. The basis weight is 550 g / m². 2Naturally, the thickness is essentially the same as that of conventional corrugated cardboard used for display purposes. The thickness of the board can also be greater or less, but preferably lies between 2 and 6 mm. The basis weight is also given purely as an example.

[0059] In a top view of the sheet side from right to left, starting in the direction of travel A, a first longitudinal wall section 3 is shown, which has a first fold line on its lower side. The first bottom section 7 is foldably connected to the first longitudinal side wall section 3 via this fold line. The fold line, or first fold line, runs horizontally. On the longitudinal side of the first bottom section 7 opposite the first fold line, a first side flap 11 is arranged via a second horizontal fold line. A second side flap 14 is also shown on a broad side 13 of the first bottom section. In the direction of travel A, next to the first longitudinal side wall section 3, an end wall section, here the second end wall section 5, is connected via a vertical fold line.On the lower longitudinal side of this second end wall section 5, a bottom-side folding flap 8, which has a trapezoidal shape, is connected to the end wall section 5 via a folding line, wherein an additional side flap or corner flap 18 is formed on one of the diagonals of this bottom-side folding flap 8, which in turn is firmly connected, preferably welded, to the underside of the first bottom section 7 for the production of the finished product.

[0060] Adjacent to the second end wall section 5 in the direction of travel A, the second longitudinal wall section 4 is connected via a vertical fold line. A second bottom-side fold flap 9 is provided on the lower longitudinal side of the second longitudinal side wall section 4, which does not have any additional corner flaps. Adjoining the second longitudinal side wall section 4, the first end wall section 6 is connected to the second longitudinal side wall section 4 via a vertical fold line in the direction of travel A. A trapezoidal bottom flap 10 is again formed on the lower longitudinal side of the first end wall section 6, with an additional corner flap 17 on one of the diagonals of the bottom flap 10, which in turn is firmly connected to the underside or outside of the second bottom section 9, preferably by welding.

[0061] The blank 15 is punched out of a hollow chamber sheet and forms a semi-finished product. To manufacture the final product, the fold lines are pre-folded and the connecting elements, i.e. the corner tabs 17, 18, are welded to the respective adjacent wall surfaces.

[0062] Alternative cuts are possible for smaller or larger sizes of a second reusable display container according to the invention 1.

[0063] It should be noted that the entire display container 1 is manufactured as a single piece, and all sections are made of the same material. The individual container sections are connected to each other via foldable fold lines. In the unwelded or unglued state, the bottom sections can be folded in both directions; otherwise, when glued or welded, they can only be folded inwards.

Claims

[1] Reusable display container (1) for the transport, storage and in particular the display of objects, comprising a first foldable display box (1) consisting of a base (2) and at least two, preferably three or four wall sections (3, 4, 5, 6) arranged on the base, which form at least two opposite wall sections (3, 4), preferably two opposite longitudinal wall sections (3, 4) and at least one end wall section (5), particularly preferably two end wall sections (5, 6) and a lid, characterized by that the display container (1) is formed from a hollow-wall panel or hollow-wall panel with at least one corrugated intermediate layer between two outer layers. [2] Reusable display container (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the hollow-core sheet or hollow-core sheet with at least one corrugated intermediate layer between two outer layers made of a synthetically or semi-synthetically produced polymer, preferably a corrugated plastic sheet made of polypropylene, alternatively of a bio-based polymer, a biodegradable polymer or a combination of the aforementioned polymers. [3] Reusable display container (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the display container (1) has a grammage in the range between 350 g / m2 and 550 g / m2. [4] Reusable display container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the display container (1) comprises a carrier label, preferably a silicone-coated carrier label. [5] Reusable display container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the lid is formed in one piece and loosely from the display container (1) or is firmly connected to the first display box (1) via detachable fastening means, alternatively is designed as a second foldable display box which, when the goods are in the transport or storage state in the display container (1), is placed like a lid on the first unfolded display box (1) and thus forms a closed reusable display container (1), preferably with the aid of one or more fastening means. [6] Reusable display container (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the lid on the first display box (1), for closing the container top and / or the display opening (19), is arranged detachably or non-detachably by means of a flange connection of the lid to one of the at least three wall sections (3, 4, 5) of the first display box (1). [7] Reusable display container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat the base (2) is formed from a first base section (7) which is foldably connected to a first longitudinal wall section (3) via a fold line and which rests on at least two, preferably three or more base-side folding flaps (8, 9, 10), which are connected to the at least two (4), preferably three remaining side wall sections (4, 5, 6) via a fold line, in such a way in the upright position of the container (1) that it forms more than ¾ of the total area of the base (2), preferably abuts with three of its sides against the adjacent side wall sections (3, 4, 5) [8] Reusable display container (1) according to claim 7, characterized byin that the first base section (7) has at least one first side flap (11) which, when the display box (1) is in the unfolded state, rests with its entire surface against the second longitudinal wall section (4) opposite the first longitudinal wall section (3) and extends substantially up to the height of the upper edge (12) of the second wall section (4), so that when the container (1) is closed with the lid in place, the first side flap (11) is limited in its upward play in such a way that it is not possible to open the base (2) from the underside of the box (1). [9] Reusable display container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, characterized bythat a second side flap (14) is provided on at least one of the broad sides (13) of the first base section (7), which, when the display box (1) is in the unfolded state, comes to rest at a right angle on the at least one end wall section (5) and thus additionally strengthens the base (2) when the container (1) is in the unfolded state. [10] Reusable display container (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the non-detachable lid has at least a first lid section which is connected to the upper edge of a wall section (3, 4, 5, 6) via a fold line or is flanged to one of the wall sections. [11] Blank (15) for producing a reusable display container (1), wherein the blank (15) comprises at least two, preferably three or four wall sections (3, 4, 5, 6), in particular two longitudinal wall sections (3, 4) and at least two base sections (8, 9, 10), wherein in each case a base section (8, 9, 10) is connected to the lower edge of a wall section (3, 4, 5, 6) via a fold line, characterized by that the blank (15), which is preferably punched from a hollow chamber plate, has a first base section (7) which essentially has the size and shape of the container base area and which has, on its side opposite the fold line to the hinged side wall, a first side flap (11) which is connected to the first base section (7) via a fold line.

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